Soil Reports For Seneca County Online

A new county extension report was released by the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratory in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County, and the Nutrient Management Spear Program at the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Cornell University. In the report, the authors summarize the results of soil tests originating from Seneca County farmers and homeowners and analyzed by the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratory during 2002-2006. The new report shows the results of samples submitted by commercial growers and by homeowners. The soil test reports cover 5 years of data and show the ranges and distribution of soil pH, organic matter and plant available phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese.Mike Dennis of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County and co-author of the report says, “Soil sampling and analysis by county farmers is a very sound way to manage land from both an economic and environmental standpoint. Soil maps give a fairly good description of soil properties and characteristics. However soil analysis of individual fields gives the producer a better picture of what may be lacking or be in abundance within that area. It allows for planning based on the intended land use. A comprehensive soil sampling and analysis program built around an individual farm will benefit the farmer in many ways for years to come.”Renuka Rao, Director of the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, adds, “Soil test helps in identifying the limiting factors essential for optimum plant growth. Robust research based soil test interpretations and lime and fertilizers recommendations make it possible to grow healthy productive plants economically while ensuring safe environment.”The report is accessible through the Nutrient Management Spear Program website: http://nmsp.css.cornell.edu/publications/soil_test_summaries.asp.